This summer, beat the heat with a trip to chilly Sagada! Known as Mountain Provinces Pride,
Sagada is one of Drews favorite travel destinations.
Quick facts
Sagada is coldest during February, when the average temperature drops to 12 degrees
Celsius.
With only 5,000 residents and a low crime rate, Sagada is a favorite among foreign tourists.
If you dont feel like driving 400 kilometers, take a six-hour provincial bus ride from Cubao,
Metro Manila to Baguio (P350-450/head, one way). Large liners, like Victory Liner, have buses
that leave every hour and are open 24/7.
From there, its a six hour ride via local bus to Bontoc, the capital of Mountain Province.
formations.
What/where to eat
Pinikpikan | Price range: P200-300 for a whole chicken, definitely good for sharing
This one isnt for the squeamish. The preparation of pinikpikan, Sagadas local delicacy, includes
beating a live chicken with a stick prior to cooking. The logic here is that as the blood pools in the
flesh, so does the flavor. This can be ordered from restaurants all over Sagada.
Lemon Pie House | Price range: P20/slice; P150/whole
If sour food is your thing, you might like the pie at Sagadas Lemon Pie House. A dense, eyesquintingly sour layer of lemon paste forms the base, and is topped by a soft meringue icing. If
youre not used to sour food, alternate with some egg pie and brewed coffee.
Where to stay
There are no major hotels in Sagadaor major anything, for that matterbut inns and transient
homes offer rooms for P150 to P250 a night. The most expensive room youll find here is P300 per
night.
Tip: Even with a water heater, baths can get uncomfortable. The weather is so cold that hot water
cools quickly after touching your skin, and youll be shivering in no time. If youre just staying for the
weekend, take a sponge bath or skip it altogether.
What to buy
Fresh vegetables
Compared to Metro Manila, veggies are cheaper by at least 50 percent in Sagada.
Broccoli: P30-45/kilo
Potatoes: P20/kilo
Pechay: P20/kilo
Cauliflower: P45-50/kilo
Woven handicrafts | Budget: P150 to P400 for a bag
Sagada pottery | Budget: P300 to P1500 depending on the item